As I mentioned last week, the Blue Ridge Arts Council has asked me to present a visual arts residency in each of the five elementary schools in Warren County. The residency will be conducted over the course of 4-consecutive days at each school. The art teacher at each school selected 16 – 4th graders to participate.
Each student will complete a 12”x12” acrylic original, which will be grouped and framed together (collage) and permanently displayed at the school after being shown in various locations through July.
The week with the students begins with Doug Stanley, County Administrator, talking to them about the history of Warren County. He explains why this area was settled and events of significance that have occurred. This gives me a basis then to show them the sample painting and explain why we are painting the subjects that I’ve chosen: the river, the mountains, transportation (train), wildlife, etc.
After I show them the sample painting, we discuss how to paint and how to mix color. I review the color wheel, we talk about equipment – brushes, canvas, palettes, etc.
So far the two groups I have worked with have been extremely interested in this. Today I begin working with two more schools. All this week I will share the progress of the first two schools. It was exciting to see their finished products!
Many thanks to Kym Crump at the Arts Council for bringing me this project!
The Studio 
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